Netanyahu Addresses UN General Assembly, Defends Israel Amid Ongoing Hamas Conflict

Amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions and conflicts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the U.N. General Assembly on Friday, aiming to counter the narratives presented by other world leaders earlier in the week. In his address, Netanyahu sought to justify Israel's military response to the attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which subsequently led to a devastating military operation in the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu's Remarks

Netanyahu commenced his speech by expressing his reluctance to attend the assembly, emphasizing that his country was engaged in a life-and-death struggle. However, he felt compelled to address what he termed as “lies and slanders” directed at Israel by various speakers. Armed with visual aids, he endeavored to set the record straight while affirming Israel's commitment to peace.

Throughout his address, Netanyahu reiterated Israel's desire for peace but issued a stern warning to Iran, stating, “If you strike us, we will strike you.” He unequivocally attributed various regional issues to Iranian influence, thereby positioning Iran as a common adversary.

Impact in Gaza

As the conflict unfolded, the toll on the Gaza Strip became increasingly dire. According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, over 41,500 Palestinians have lost their lives, with injuries surpassing 96,000. Notably, the casualties include a significant number of women and children, raising concerns about the humanitarian crisis in the region. The ministry, affiliated with the Hamas government, does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, underscoring the complexity of the situation.

Escalation of Conflict

In recent developments, Israel has shifted its focus towards the border with Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah militants amid civilian casualties. This escalation comes in the wake of Hezbollah's immediate response to the Hamas invasion, leading to a protracted exchange of fire that has displaced tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border. Israel has pledged to intensify its assaults on Hezbollah to ensure the safe return of its citizens to their homes.

International Response

Late Wednesday, the United States, France, and other allies jointly called for an “immediate” 21-day cease-fire to facilitate negotiations, amid mounting concerns over the potential for an all-out war following eleven months of cross-border hostilities. The UN has reported that over 90,000 individuals have been uprooted by Israeli strikes on Lebanon, contributing to a total of 200,000 displaced in the country since Hezbollah initiated rocket fire into northern Israel in solidarity with Hamas.

Defending Military Operations

Israel has maintained that its military actions are necessary for self-defense. As Netanyahu took to the stage, disruptions in the audience prompted the presiding diplomat to call for order. Following Netanyahu, Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob urged an immediate cessation of hostilities, underscoring the urgent need for peace. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the situation in Gaza, characterizing it as a systematic slaughter of innocent Palestinians.